Explore the Evolution of Cinema Sound

Dolby has pioneered the creation of cinema sound technology for decades, from stereo to surround sound. Dolby Atmos marks a fundamental change in how filmmakers position sound, and in how we experience movies.

In the 1970s, We Introduced Stereo Sound

In 1977, when audiences "heard" the massive spaceships passing overhead in Star Wars (recorded in Dolby Stereo®), the experience forever changed moviegoers' expectations. It paved the road for a future of rich cinema sound.

In the 1990s, We Launched Surround Sound

In 1992, we debuted Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound. It split the theatre in half, with one bank of speakers on the left and another on the right. In more recent years, we introduced Dolby Surround 7.1 to theatres, adding a spatial dimension to sound movement.

Today, We're Delivering a 3D Sound Experience

Dolby Atmos transforms the cinematic experience. Now, filmmakers can move individual sounds from speaker to speaker, anywhere in the theatre. Not only do you hear more powerful bass, but overhead sound heightens the realism of your cinematic experience.